Old Testament
Psalms 63
Overview
Psalm 63 is one of Scripture's most intense expressions of spiritual thirst, as David, in a dry and weary land, longs for God like parched ground longs for water. Having beheld God's power and glory in the sanctuary, he declares God's steadfast love better than life and meditates on Him through the watches of the night. The psalm rises from craving to satisfaction to clinging joy, ending with confidence that God will deal with his enemies and the king will rejoice.
1A Psalm by David, when he was in the desert of Judah. God, you are my God. I will earnestly seek you. My soul thirsts for you. My flesh longs for you, in a dry and weary land, where there is no water.
2So I have seen you in the sanctuary, watching your power and your glory.
3Because your loving kindness is better than life, my lips shall praise you.
4So I will bless you while I live. I will lift up my hands in your name.
5My soul shall be satisfied as with the richest food. My mouth shall praise you with joyful lips,
6when I remember you on my bed, and think about you in the night watches.
7For you have been my help. I will rejoice in the shadow of your wings.
8My soul stays close to you. Your right hand holds me up.
9But those who seek my soul to destroy it shall go into the lower parts of the earth.
10They shall be given over to the power of the sword. They shall be jackal food.
11But the king shall rejoice in God. Everyone who swears by him will praise him, for the mouth of those who speak lies shall be silenced.